Detroit Pistons Projected to Pursue 24 PPG Star in Offseason in Free Agency
The Detroit Pistons, after making the playoffs for the first time since 2019, finally have clear direction. Cade Cunningham is a franchise player, and talented youngsters like Jalen Duren, Jaden Ivey, Ron Holland, and Amen Thompson round out the roster.
However, Detroit doesn't have a clear-cut second option on offense, instead, it scores by committee. That seemed to work this season, although with key guards Dennis Schroder, Tim Hardaway Jr., and Malik Beasley all unrestricted free agents, the Pistons might have to shop for replacements.
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While not the easiest player to bring to the Motor City, Cam Thomas would be a solid fit, provided the Brooklyn Nets are comfortable letting him walk.
Apr 6, 2024; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Brooklyn Nets shooting guard Cam Thomas (24) dribbles the ball against Detroit Pistons point guard Jaden Ivey (23) during the second half at Barclays Center. © Gregory Fisher-Imagn Images
Thomas, 23, is a restricted free agent, and the Nets can match any contract he signs, forcing him back to Brooklyn. The Nets can also offer more money than any other team, and likely can offer a bigger role than anyone else.
Last season, Thomas averaged 24 points on 43.8 percent from the floor and 34.9 percent from 3, making him one of the better volume scorers in the league.
After losing the NBA Draft Lottery and landing the eighth pick, the Nets still have a long way to go before they can compete, barring a blockbuster trade. The most logical path for Thomas to come to the Pistons would be through a sign-and-trade, with the Pistons offering Simone Fontecchio or a young player like Marcus Sasser, in addition to protected draft capital, for Thomas.
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Of course, if Beasley and Hardaway Jr. re-sign, the Pistons won't have salary room or even a need for Thomas, although Beasley will likely be looking for a substantial pay raise after a breakout season.
Thomas is a name to watch this offseason, although the Nets are one of the rare teams below the salary cap, making building a contract for Thomas hard for Detroit.
Check out the All Pistons homepage for more news, analysis, and must-read articles.
Related: Detroit Pistons Linked to Fan-Favorite Free Agent
Related: Pistons Predicted to Trade Tobias Harris for $195 Million Star in Offseason Blockbuster
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